Workers demand EU procurement reform for better pay

Vèronica Fernandez Mendez Head of Equal Opportunities | UNI Global Union

By Sky Industry News

Oct 3, 2024

Essential workers from nine European countries gathered in Brussels on October 1, 2024, to demand improved pay and working conditions through reforms in EU procurement rules. The rally involved around 1,000 participants, including cleaners, security guards, and food service employees. The protest aimed to address the "race to the bottom" caused by current EU procurement policies that prioritize cost over worker welfare.

Security worker Youssef B. highlighted the challenges faced by essential workers: “My job is very important for the safety of the people. But my salary is far too low for the cost of living.” He called for changes at the European level to secure better working conditions.

Najib M., a contract catering worker in the European Parliament, shared his concerns about job stability: “Over the course of my 20-year career in the European Parliament, I’ve worked for 11 different bosses... We need stability and fairness.”

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The demonstration coincided with an open letter from over 100 economists advocating for reforms in EU public procurement rules to enhance collective bargaining and improve labor conditions. These economists argue that focusing solely on price neglects crucial social criteria such as labor rights.

UNI Europa's research indicates that half of all public tenders in the EU are awarded based on price alone. Oliver Roethig from UNI Europa emphasized that these practices create low wages and social precarity across Europe.

Enrico Somaglia from EFFAT criticized awarding contracts based solely on price as empowering exploitative businesses. Estelle Ceulemans and Kim van Sparrentak, both members of the European Parliament, expressed support for reforming procurement rules to protect workers' rights.

Li Andersson stressed that improving working conditions must be prioritized within Europe's social model: “Competitiveness can’t turn into a euphemism for low wages and unfair working conditions – that must be our message to president Ursula von der Leyen.”

The rally was organized by several trade unions across Europe, including UNI Europa and EFFAT. Recent surveys commissioned by UNI highlight significant challenges faced by cleaning professionals and security officers regarding pay and work conditions.

UNI Europa represents seven million service workers across Europe, while EFFAT advocates for more than 22 million workers in food-related industries across 35 countries.